Many young people explain that their high school history classes focus almost entirely on the contributions of white straight men, with little mention of the contributions of people of color, LGBTQ people, and women. Similar complaints have been made about the LGBTQ movement, which shows that sexism and racism spread far beyond mainstream culture and we must all work against these oppressions.

As a student, you know that LGBTQ-inclusive lessons can have a dramatic impact on how safe you feel in school. Today, we’re releasing a research report that backs you up – and gives you tools to advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive lessons in your classes.

Today, we're proud to release our newest research brief with the California Safe Schools Coaltion, Lessons That Matter: LGBTQ Inclusivity and School Safety. Check out the press release for more details!

Until recently, California law required sex education classes to discuss abstinence from sexual intercourse - this approach focused specifically on heterosexual abstinence and pregnancy prevention and excluded LGBTQ youth. Fortunately, due to SB 71, the law was revised in 2004 to make sex education more inclusive. That’s the good news! But seven years later, what’s really happening in California sex education classes?

Aside from blasting “Born This Way” over your PA system for today’s LGBT History Month icon, Lady Gaga, we have a few ideas for how you can celebrate LGBT History Month AND make it better in your school!

Do you remember the last time you learned about LGBTQ people or issues at school? If not, this year promises to be different! Starting in January, you and every other California student will learn about LGBTQ people or issues in class. It’s the law, all thanks to the Fair Accurate Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act!

To find out how your school has planned to meet the new FAIR Education Act requirements, talk to your teachers today! Here’s an example discussion: